Official Transportation TO and FROM:

DOMINICAL - Costa Rica (San Jose Airport SJO)

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Any other inquires & questions:

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/ Tel.CostaRica: (506) 8849-8569 / Skype:traveltocr

Online Reservation Forms:

(Private VIP SERVICES just below!!!)

ShuttleTransportation to: Dominical

Departure:

Arrival:

Rate:

Departing from:

San Jose Airport

06:30AM

10:30AM

$55 pp

San Jose Airport

08:45AM

01:00PM

$55 pp

San Jose Airport

09:30AM

12:30PM

$55 pp

San Jose Airport

03:00PM

07:00PM

$55 pp

San Jose hotels

08:00AM

01:00PM

$55 pp

Arenal & La Fortuna Hotels

07:15AM

01:00PM

$60 PP

Monteverde & Santa Elena

08:30AM

01:00PM

$55 pp

Jaco Beach

11:00AM

01:00PM

$55 pp

ShuttleTransportation FROM: DOMINICAL

Departure:

Arrival:

Rate:

Departing from: / Arriving to:

Dominical to: San Jose Airport & City / Alajuela

06:00AM

10:00AM

$50 pp

Dominical to: San Jose Airport & City / Alajuela

10:00AM

02:00PM

$50 pp

Dominical to: San Jose Airport & City

01:30PM

05:30PM

$55 pp

Dominical to: San Jose Airport & City / Alajuela

03:00PM

07:00PM

$50 pp

Dominical to: Quepos & Manuel Antonio:

06:00AM

07:00AM

$40 pp

Dominical to: Quepos & Manuel Antonio:

10:00AM

11:00AM

$40 pp

Dominical to: Quepos & Manuel Antonio:

03:00PM

04:00AM

$40 pp

Dominical to: Jaco Beach & Herradura:

06:00AM

08:00AM

$45 pp

Dominical to: Jaco Beach & Herradura:

10:00AM

12:00PM

$45 pp

Dominical to: Jaco Beach & Herradura:

03:00PM

05:00PM

$45 pp

Dominical to Sierpe:

10:00AM

11:00AM

$35 pp

Dominical to Sierpe:

01:30PM

02:30AM

$35 pp

Dominical to Puerto Jimenez

01:30PM

03:30PM

$55 pp

Dominical to Golfito

01:30PM

06:30PM

$55 pp

Dominical to Paso Canoas

01:30PM

07:30PM

$55 pp

Dominical to Arenal & La Fortuna

06:00AM

12:00pm

$70 pp

Dominical to Arenal & La Fortuna

01:10PM

07:00pm

$60 pp

Dominical to: Monteverde & Santa Elena

01:10PM

06:30PM

$60 pp

Private Land Transportation

Rate:

Direct Shuttle to & from: Dominical

San Jose Airport and San Jose Hotels

$300

Liberia International Airport & City

$350

Arenal & La Fortuna

$300

Monteverde & Santa Elena

$300

Tamarindo

$350

Samara - Carrillo & Nosara

$350

Playas del Coco & Ocotal

$350

Papagayo Peninsula & Flamingo

$400

Jaco Beach & Herradura Beach

$150

Tambor Beach

$300

Mal Pais & Santa Teresa, Montezuma

$300

Puntarenas

$200

Puerto Viejo & Cahuita

$450

IMPORTANT NOTES:

* Thanks for contacting us. Please send us all your questions and comments, we would be more than happy to assist you. * Regular Shuttles: All rates per person, per way and when using the ferry also includes all ferry fees.* Private Shuttles: All rates from 1 to 4 passengers, per way. $25 per the extra passenger after 4 pax. (When using the ferry all ferry fees included as well)* Please contact us to double check rates, departures and arrivals times since that can change at the time due road conditions, weather and ferry schedules. Email:
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* Payment available by Credit Card: VISA or MASTER CARD* All vehicles with updated Insurance and Operation Permits.* Since this is a nonpublic service we only operate it upon reservations. Reservations in advance are strongly recommended.

CONTACT & RESERVATIONS EMAILS:

Reservations:

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Any other inquires & questions:

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Puerto Dominical drapes itself across a tropical inlet surrounded by primary rainforest. The village center is a delightful six-block square of restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops, all fronted by the main beach and sportfishing fleet. Dominical is growing quickly yet maintains many of its sleepy and humble beginnings.

Quepeños are great celebrators of life and seem to make dancing in the streets a local pastime. The high season runs through the drier months of December to April and explodes during the Festival del Mar, a month long party held each February that features concerts, sporting events, parades and a street carnival with dancers from across the country. Dominical fills to the brim with families, surfers, backpackers, ecotourists, blissed-out scientists and gay jet-setters, all as colorful and intriguing as the flora and fauna surrounding the village. The ever-friendly locals take it all in stride, going out of their way to make sure everyone has a good time.

Tourism is now the area's leading employer as Dominical evolves from its banana growing roots into a premier holiday destination. After the demise of the Quepoa Indians in the late 1800's, vast banana plantations were developed throughout the region. Bananas were shipped to world markets across the docks that now service the sportfishing fleet. In the 1980's bananas lost out to heartier African palms and their high quality palm oil. As Dominical diminished in importance as a banana port, it renewed itself as an ecotourism and sportfishing destination. World travelers are discovering the area, with many visitors purchasing homes and returning each year to enjoy the relaxing village lifestyle and natural beauty of nearby Dominical.

Dominical at a Glance

Dominical National Park is a gem among Costa Rica's nature reserves and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. A lush blanket of tropical green spills headlong onto several hidden and incredibly beautiful, jungle-lined beaches. Within this magnificent dreamscape you may catch glimpse of whimsical monkeys, loud and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed sloths, and a whole host of rare plant and animal species that inspire and overwhelm the senses. The birding opportunities are nothing short of fantastic with more than 350 species spotted in the park's small boundaries. Easy walking trails take in sweeping vistas of Costa Rica's dramatic coastline and meander through primary rainforest with over 300 species of trees.

Secluded beaches and unworldly vistas create a special sanctuary to rest the soul. One can sit quietly, shrouded in magnificence, and enjoy the call of distant howler monkeys, ponder giant leaf-cutter ants hard at work, rejuvenate in the warm waters, and meditate forever in this wonderfully alive and joyous place. A short swim to a tropical reef dazzles the senses with a colorful array of fish; a swim that often leads to a true highlight of any visit to Dominical, a chance to play with the wild dolphins that visit within the park's ocean boundaries.

Dominical at a Glance

Dominical National Park is a gem among Costa Rica's nature reserves and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. A lush blanket of tropical green spills headlong onto several hidden and incredibly beautiful, jungle-lined beaches. Within this magnificent dreamscape you may catch glimpse of whimsical monkeys, loud and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed sloths, and a whole host of rare plant and animal species that inspire and overwhelm the senses. The birding opportunities are nothing short of fantastic with more than 350 species spotted in the park's small boundaries. Easy walking trails take in sweeping vistas of Costa Rica's dramatic coastline and meander through primary rainforest with over 300 species of trees.

Secluded beaches and unworldly vistas create a special sanctuary to rest the soul. One can sit quietly, shrouded in magnificence, and enjoy the call of distant howler monkeys, ponder giant leaf-cutter ants hard at work, rejuvenate in the warm waters, and meditate forever in this wonderfully alive and joyous place. A short swim to a tropical reef dazzles the senses with a colorful array of fish; a swim that often leads to a true highlight of any visit to Dominical, a chance to play with the wild dolphins that visit within the park's ocean boundaries.

The park is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except Mondays. Admission is approximately $8 U.S. dollars for non-residents. Guided Tours are available and highly recommended.

Costa Rica at a Glance

Costa Rica is among the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. This peace-loving country has a uniquely stable democratic government surpassed in the Americas only by the United States. Costa Ricans enjoy unparalleled personal and political freedom, mostly due to the clever use of peace treaties with powerful allies during the past half-century. With no need for a military budget, much of the savings have been applied to social programs, propelling the country to role model status for other Central American nations. "Ticos" (as Costa Ricans are affectionately known) pride themselves on universal education and healthcare. The country is small, mountainous and intensely beautiful. Ecotourism and adventure travel, now a major source of income for Costa Rica, attracts visitors of all ages from the world over.

Charm and Sophistication

Costa Ricans have an international reputation for their commitment to peace, higher education and free thinking. One Costa Rican village is known for producing talented poets, another for its peace-loving diplomats and another for its charming and beautiful people. Costa Rican men are considered less chauvinistic than men from other Latin countries and the women are more empowered. The country is experiencing a technological boom as an educated workforce makes Costa Rica attractive to multinational high tech companies like Intel, who have built large production facilities here.

Quality of Life

Although it is still a poor country, the poor need not go hungry thanks to several unique social programs that prevent the intense poverty seen in neighboring countries. Even with a burgeoning middle class and pockets of extreme wealth, the country still must borrow heavily and government coffers are often strained. Costa Ricans enjoy a much lower crime rate than the U.S., with violent crime rare though increasing. Costa Ricans also enjoy a better infant mortality rate, a longer life expectancy and a higher literacy rate than the U.S. The tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the country and the food is fresh, delicious and abundant.

Most activities center around family life. Ticos readily share what they have with others and almost everyone seems to be smiling and happy. Ticos are remarkably clean, they like to dress nicely, go out dancing, eat in restaurants and celebrate for any and every reason. Many enjoy meeting foreigners and are often eager to practice their English. Life is lived to its fullest with a pace that is extraordinarily relaxed.

Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

More than 25% of Costa Rica is protected in national parks and reserves. Dominical is the most popular national park with its spellbinding beaches and an abundance of easily viewable wildlife. Local ecotourism agencies cover every interest and offer tours that are designed to be low impact, entertaining and educational. Costa Rica's geology features the colliding Cocos and Caribbean Plates and the resulting three massive cordilleras that form the backbone of the country and punctuated by the towering Chirripó Volcano. At 12,533 feet (3,820m) Chirripó is the highest peak in Central America. Costa Rica is a natural wonderland with unprecedented biodiversity in overlapping ecosystems as they make their way from towering mountain peaks down to the warm seas and the loud and colorful rainforests lining both coasts.

Known as one of the best places in the world for big game sportfishing, Dominical is a small town some 160 km from San Jose in Puntarenas province. Located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Dominical is a beautiful place to enjoy a nice relaxing weekend. A three-hour drive from San Jose, you will need to pass through the towns of Atenas, Orotina, Tarcoles, Jaco and Parrita on the way here. A quick way to get here would be to fly in on a domestic flight from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport, and then take a quick drive to Dominical.

Well known throughout the country as a key fishing town, Dominical offers tourists not only fantastic fishing opportunities but also plenty of other activities to indulge in as well. This town has a number of reasonably priced hotels, accommodations and luxury resorts scattered all over the place, as well as many fine restaurants, lounges and bars. The town center is a charming square filled with many eateries, hotels, art galleries and shops, all situated on the beach front. If you happen to visit here during festival times, the streets are filled with dancing, parades and concerts.

With an interesting atmosphere that is all its own, the best time to visit Dominical is between January and April, when the weather is dry. Though peak fishing season lasts from December to August, March and April can get pretty hot, while September brings a lot of rain.

Dominical has some of the best game fishing in the world with marlin, sailfish, snapper, Amberjack, Wahoo, Dorado, Yellow fin and big eye tuna, and roosterfish found in abundance here. Angling enthusiasts can fish inshore or offshore, and can even fly fish here as well. If fishing is not your thing, you can enjoy canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and surfing here as well.

This town is also important as it is the closest to the world famous Dominical National Park that is 7 km south of here. Besides tourists coming here, Dominical is also frequented by many international leading scientists and naturalists, who come here to study this region’s fantastic variety of flora and fauna.

Dominical is one of the most exclusive areas in Costa Rica, however budget hotels can be found. It started out as a tiny village that had a beautiful National Park, Dominical National Park, next to it. As the park started to become more known more hotels started springing up. Because of Dominical’s size, or lack of size, hotels started building on the road to Dominical and many started taking advantage of the magnificent panoramic views. Soon very exclusive hotels arrived, thus bringing us to present day Dominical, however budget hotels can be found but most are found down near the beach. More expensive hotels have loftier, breezy perches and most offer off season rates. Many hilltop hotels may have steep steps; inquire. It can be a tough, hot walk back up the hill from the beach if you don’t want to wait for the bus, however this does run every half hour.

The National Park is small only 682 hectares however it epitomizes everything tourists flock to Costa Rica to see: stunning beaches, a magnificent setting with islands offshore, lush rainforest laced with a network of easy to walk trails, and wildlife galore. There is good chance that you will see monkeys (howler, white faced, and possibly squirrel monkeys), sloths, and coatimundis. Scarlet macaws do frequent the area however you may need a bit of luck to see them.

Despite Dominical’s size, it is one of the country’s most popular parks, with as many as 150,000 visitors annually in recent years. A few years ago the deluge of visitors threatened to spoil the very things they had come to see. Park Director Jose Antonio Salazar believes the park can withstand no more than 300 visitors a day. In 1994, the Park Service began limiting the numbers of visitors to 600 per day (800 on Saturday and Sunday), and the park is now closed on Monday. If you wish to do your bit to help preserve Dominical, consider visiting in the “green” or wet season. Litter and pollution are additional problems, pack out what you pack in.

Nonetheless, the park is too small to sustain a healthy and viable population of certain animals. If the monkeys do not have access to areas outside the park, the population will decline because they cannot breed. Corridors that allow the animals’ access to areas outside the park have been taken up by hotels, so that the park has, in recent years, become an island. As a result, the squirrel monkey (mono titi) population is declining. Fortunately, in 2000, a decree was issued to triple the park’s size to just under 1800 hectares, almost tripling the size of the park.

Dominical and Dominical are two separate but completely interdependent central Pacific coast towns. Dominical is a fairly good sized town with about 7,000 permanent residents, a large hospital, banks, markets, stores, hotels, bars, restaurants and main bus terminal. Dominical to the south is much smaller and extends along both sides of the road that stretches 4 1/2 miles up the hill and them down to the Dominical National Park.

Even though there are hotels and restaurants of many nationalities on this hill between Dominical and the park. It is still common to walk along the lush green, tree lined road and see two toed sloths, bright green parrots and large iguanas. In the hills overlooking the ocean are some of the most picturesque and stunning views in the country along with accommodations from luxurious to basic.

Dominical National Park is the country's smallest national park at just over 683 hectares, but it is also one of it's most amazing. Home to one of the last sizable populations of the endangered Squirrel Monkey in the region, White Faced and Howler monkeys are also common in the park. Cathedral Point with it's forest topped cliffs is connected to the mainland by a thin land bridge that separates the parks two most popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Dominical. Playa Dominical is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and has been rated one of the top ten in the world. The beach is a half mile long, perfect white sand crescent bordered by deep green mangroves and palms. The park abounds with wildlife and in a days visit it is possible to see iguanas, monkeys, sloths agoutis, paccaries armadillos, pisotes, coatimundis and raccoons.

You can travel to Dominical by car or on regularly scheduled flights. Natureair has three flights a day during high season. The flight from San Jose takes about 20 minutes. It is a beautiful three and a half hour drive by car from San Jose. While a 4x4 vehicle is not required, we recommend one because some sections of the road have serious potholes and the clearance and durability of 4X4s is an asset.

Dominical is a little slice of paradise that Centralamerica.Com highly recommends for beach, sportfishing and nature lovers.

Arenas del Mar - Unique and spectacular beach resort with the highest levels of comfort. California Hotel - Set in the rain forest and near the sea, the perfect location to experience the peace paradise. Casitas Eclipse - Turn your trip into the fantasy vacation of a lifetime. Hotel & Reserve Gaia - Five-star hotel featuring amenities to please even the most discriminating vacationers. Costa Verde - The perfect destination for those seeking adventure travel, ecotourism, sportsfishing or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views. Issimo Suites - Overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean and the highest quality service. La Mansion Inn - Nestled in one of the last remaining "natural zoos" of the world - Dominical. Hotel Makanda - Just off the main road between Dominical and Dominical National Park, spectacular view. La Mariposa Hotel - La Mariposa Hotel is comprised of 35 rooms in a Spanish-Mediterranean style architecture with stunning, and magical views of the coast below. Hotel Playa Espadilla - Located within 3 minutes walk away from the National Park of Dominical and 2 minute walk from the beach front. Parador Hotel - In the most remote and pristine area of Dominical and just 10 minutes walking distance from a secluded bay with the most breathtaking white sand beach surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and jungle. Si Como No, Hotel & Villas - "Si como no" captures the magical nature of Costa Rica's incredible ecological diversity, creating a vacation experience deeply rooted in the culture and pace of this special nation. Sirena Hotel - Located in the center of Dominical a small boutique style hotel with just 14 cozy rooms.. Hotel Las Tres Banderas - Hotel Las Tres Banderas is newly built, reasonably priced and also has the advantage of being moderately sized, permitting your needs to be personally attended to by its owners. Tulemar Bungalows - Tulemar Bungalows let you interact with the best of Dominical National Park wildlife from your doorstep or by just drawing the curtains of your bungalow window. Verde Mar - Just steps away from world renowned Dominical National Park.

While it's hard to beat lying on one of the world's most beautiful beaches or hiking down trails through the rain forest, there are a couple of special activities that we recommend. Canopy Safari - Caters to the free spirit in all of us, designed to immerse you in a world of adventure and discovery. Iguana Tours - Specializing in sea kayaking and water rafting, naturalist tours and adventure activities such as horseback riding, dolphin watch excursions and rain forest hiking.

While it's pretty slow in low season, there's plenty to do in Dominical during high season. El Banco Bar - Shows all major sporting events. Has good food and late night live music.

Dominical

Dominical allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Dominical National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Dominical the perfect place to stay for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office.

The area was once dependent on banana plantations which used to line the surrounding area. After disease infiltrated the harvest, interest transferred to African Palms as the prominent crop. Now, tourism has deemed itself the major economic factor, contributing to just about everything in the area.

Dominical lures in many tourists for its fantastic sportfishing. In fact, some have come solely to participate in this world class experience and have never left. The main attraction here is marlin fishing, especially during the months of December to April. Many outfitters will be more than happy to accompany eager anglers on the high seas for an unforgettable outing.

Besides sportfishing, many other activities are available. Visiting the nearby Butterfly Botanical Gardens is sure to impress as there are informative exhibits, night walks and a stunning collection of butterflies, all housed in one incredible location. For some wildlife viewing that’s a little more untamed, check out the Damas Estuary. Exploring this maze of wetlands by boat or by kayak is the only way to see crocodiles, monkeys, herons, raccoons and more. For something a bit more equestrian, horseback riding excursions are available, so don’t forget your spurs! Depending on the time of year, white-water rafting on the Naranjo River can reach up to class IV in intensity, but most who experience this river would rate it a ten out of ten. North of Dominical are the Damas Caves, a surreal experience for anyone brave enough to crawl and hike between stalagmites and stalactites witnessing bats and insects close up.

A stay in Dominical is sure to entertain as the nightlife and activities in the area are a must for any vacation. A wide range of accommodations are readily available for all travelers. Transportation to Dominical is uncomplicated and a must for anyone who embarks on a vacation to the Central Pacific.